This satisfying comforting pasta dish offers incredible flavor without hours in the kitchen. Enjoy a comforting pasta dish that comes together quickly, perfect for busy weeknights. Its deep, savory flavors make it a new family favorite you will want to prepare repeatedly.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Pasta
- Quick Preparation: Get dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy schedules.
- Velvety Sauce: Indulge in a smooth, garlic-parmesan sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
- Tender Chicken: Enjoy pan-seared chicken breast, cooked to succulent tenderness.
- Well-Balanced Flavor: A hint of fresh lemon brightens the entire dish beautifully.
- Simple Weeknight Meal: It is a straightforward solution for a hearty and flavorful dinner.
- Highly Adaptable: Customize with your favorite vegetables or other proteins easily.
Ingredients
Gather these kitchen staples to create a truly memorable creamy chicken pasta:
- 200 grams dried pasta or 300 grams fresh pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 fresh garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves, roughly chopped
- 3/4 cup heavy cream or light/single cream
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 50 grams Parmesan cheese, very finely grated
- Lemon zest and extra rosemary, for garnish
Notes & Substitutions
- Chicken: For a richer flavor profile, consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breast.
- Cream: Adjust the type of cream (heavy, light, or single) to suit your desired richness and consistency.
- Parmesan: Always grate your Parmesan cheese fresh; it melts better and provides superior flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- Herbs: Fresh thyme or sage can offer an aromatic substitute if rosemary is unavailable.
- Pasta Shape: While the recipe uses a standard pasta, fettuccine, linguine, or rigatoni also work wonderfully.
- Salt: Properly season your pasta cooking water; it is essential for flavoring the pasta from within.
Equipment
You won’t need many special tools for this satisfying dish.
- A large pot for cooking pasta.
- One large skillet or pan for the chicken and sauce.
- Tongs or a spatula for handling ingredients.
- A whisk for blending the sauce (optional but helpful).
- A microplane or box grater for cheese and zest.
- A cutting board and a rolling pin (optional, for flattening chicken).
Instructions
Creating this wonderful creamy chicken pasta is straightforward. Follow these steps for a comforting meal.
First, bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook it according to package directions, undercooking by one minute to ensure it remains al dente. Before draining, reserve one cup of the starchy pasta water.
While the pasta cooks, prepare your chicken. Place the chicken breast on a cutting board and cover it with plastic wrap. Use a rolling pin or meat mallet to pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1 to 1.5 cm. This ensures even cooking and juicy results. Season both sides of the flattened chicken breast generously with salt and pepper, then lightly dust it with the all-purpose flour.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the floured chicken breast to the pan. For safe consumption, the USDA recommends cooking all poultry to a specific internal temperature. Cook for approximately two minutes on each side, or until it is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan, loosely wrap it in foil, and set it aside to rest. This keeps it tender.
Reduce the heat to medium in the same skillet. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt. Once melted, add the finely chopped garlic and gently sauté it for one minute. The garlic should become fragrant but avoid browning, which can make it bitter. Stir in the fresh rosemary and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a very gentle simmer. Adjust the heat as needed; the cream should not boil vigorously. Gradually add the finely grated Parmesan cheese in two or three separate additions, stirring well after each addition to allow it to melt smoothly into the sauce.
Next, stir in the black pepper and fresh lemon juice. These ingredients brighten the flavors of your creamy chicken pasta. Add about one-quarter cup of the reserved pasta water to the sauce. Let it gently simmer for two to three minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly to a luscious consistency.
Add the cooked, al dente pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss the pasta to ensure every strand is coated in the creamy sauce. Let it gently bubble for another minute or two, absorbing more of that wonderful flavor.
Remove the rested chicken breast from the foil and slice it against the grain into desired pieces. You can serve the sliced chicken on top of the pasta or toss it directly through the sauce before serving. Finish this satisfying creamy chicken pasta with a sprinkle of extra rosemary leaves, some fresh lemon zest, and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your homemade creamy chicken pasta recipe immediately!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Juicy Chicken: Pounding the chicken breast to an even thickness guarantees it cooks uniformly, preventing dry spots and ensuring succulent results.
- Sauce Consistency: Maintain a gentle simmer for the cream sauce. High heat can cause the cream to separate or become too thick too quickly.
- Pasta Water Magic: Understanding the culinary science behind starchy pasta water reveals its crucial role in creating a cohesive and flavorful sauce. Do not skip reserving the science behind using starchy pasta water in sauces. It helps emulsify and thicken the sauce, contributing a silky texture and richer flavor.
- Prevent Burnt Garlic: Always cook garlic on medium-low heat. Burnt garlic turns bitter and can ruin the flavor profile of your sauce.
- Flavor Boost: Fresh lemon juice is a crucial ingredient. It cuts through the richness of the cream, balancing the dish beautifully.
- Seasoning: Always taste your sauce before serving. Adjust the salt and pepper as needed; personal preference is key.
Serving, Storage & Variations
- Serving: This creamy chicken pasta shines when served immediately. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or red pepper flakes adds extra flair and a touch of warmth.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for two to three days. The sauce may thicken further upon chilling.
- Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet or microwave. Add a splash of milk, cream, or water to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture.
- Additions: Enhance your meal with sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach wilted into the sauce, or steamed broccoli florets for extra vegetables.
- Other Proteins: Feel free to swap the chicken for cooked shrimp or sliced Italian sausage for a different protein option.
- Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic will elevate the dish. These simple additions can transform these popular creamy chicken pasta recipes.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients and preparation, and may vary depending on specific brands and portion sizes. This estimate is for one serving out of two.
| Nutrient | Amount (Estimated per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 680-750 kcal |
| Total Fat | 35-40g |
| Saturated Fat | 18-22g |
| Cholesterol | 150-170mg |
| Sodium | 550-600mg |
| Total Carbs | 55-65g |
| Fiber | 3-4g |
| Sugars | 4-5g |
| Protein | 35-40g |
This dish provides significant protein and energy. It also offers calcium from the Parmesan and some vitamins from the chicken and lemon.
FAQ
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast? Yes, boneless chicken thighs are an excellent substitute, offering a richer flavor and often staying juicier.
- What pasta shapes work best? Fettuccine, linguine, or even penne and rigatoni hold the creamy sauce well. Choose any medium to long pasta.
- How to store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to three days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of milk or water to restore the sauce.
- What type of cream is ideal? Heavy cream provides the richest sauce, but light or single cream also works for a slightly lighter version of this creamy chicken pasta.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free? You can experiment with dairy-free cream alternatives and plant-based Parmesan, though the texture and flavor may differ.
- How to make the sauce thicker or thinner? For a thicker sauce, simmer longer. To thin it, add a splash more reserved pasta water or a touch of milk until desired consistency.
Conclusion
This creamy chicken pasta recipe delivers on its promise of a quick, flavorful, and profoundly satisfying meal. With its tender chicken, velvety garlic-parmesan sauce, and a bright lemon finish, it is a dish that truly pleases. We encourage you to try preparing it for your family soon. Share your experience and ratings; we love hearing from you! Discover other straightforward and time-saving pasta recipes to add to your weeknight rotation.